Opera Scotland

Carmen 1991Haddo House Choral & Operatic Society

Ever since it first entered the repertoire, Carmen has been a regular feature of the programmes of semi-professional and amateur companies. Haddo included it every ten years or so, and this cast looks to have been quite exceptional. Two local students were at the beginning of notable careers - David Stephenson had worked with the company before, but was now given a major role. Lisa Milne was studying in Glasgow, but already clearly seen as an artist of considerable potential.

Known mainly for character roles, John Graham-Hall is interesting casting as Don José. His career was to be long and successful, including the New York Met, and he had already sung (and filmed) Albert Herring (title role) at Glyndebourne, directed by Sir Peter Hall. He was at this stage working in Scotland with both Scottish Opera and the SCO. Valerie Reid and Nerys Jones had appeared with Scottish Opera as principals. Gillian Taylor and Tom McVeigh had also worked with that company for several seasons.

John Amis was an authoritative broadcaster on musical subjects, presenting Music Magazine on BBC Radio 3. For many years he also appeared on My Music, an entertaining BBC Radio 4 panel show in which he was joined by Ian Wallace, Frank Muir, Denis Norden and Steve Race. Earlier in his career he had worked for Sir Thomas Beecham and carried out administrative work at Dartington in Devon.